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Welcome to Episode 302 - Usher and Oz

But before this podcast delves into the original version of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, I like to delve into the life and works of two very different writers - Edgar Allan Poe and, the author of the Oz series - L. Frank Baum. Both were highly influential authors, with distinct styles and thematic concerns that reflect their unique literary goals. 

Poe is renowned for his exploration of melancholy, death, and the human psyche. His works often delve into the darker aspects of existence, reflecting his own life experiences. For instance, poems like "The Raven" and "Annabel Lee" convey a sense of tragic beauty, focusing on themes of loss and the haunting nature of memory. Poe's poetry is characterized by a rhythmic creation of beauty that often evokes feelings of despair and existential questioning.

In contrast, Baum's Oz series is fundamentally optimistic, emphasizing self-discovery, friendship, and the realization of one's potential. The characters in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz embark on journeys that lead them to understand their inner strengths—courage, intelligence, and heart—rather than seeking external validation or treasures. Baum’s world is one of wonder and adventure, aimed primarily at children but containing layers of social commentary about American society during his time.

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Welcome to Celebrate Poe - Episode 301 - Poe and the 12 days of Christmas.  For the past several years in Celebrate Poe, I have talked about the 12 days of Christmas.  I know I have talked about the period before in general but never actually talked  about each specific day during the period and the significance of each religious holiday.

While there is no direct evidence that Edgar Allan Poe personally celebrated the 12 Days of Christmas in a detailed or unique way, we can infer some aspects based on his background and the traditions of his time.

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Welcome to Celebrate Poe - This is episode 300 - “Poe's Legacy: 300 Episodes of Exploration”

Yes, this a point that I never thought the Ghost of Mr. Poe and myself would never reach - the 300th episode of this podcast.  I like to think that the title of this episode reflects on the journey through Poe's life and works, celebrating the depth of content covered in the podcast - and this podcast has not even reached the half-way point of Poe’s life - a life that had so many creativity that this podcast hasn’t even touched - at least, yet.

For this episode I want to have a small, imaginary dinner party to celebrate the 300th episode of his podcast with an exclusive guest list consisting of the Ghost of Edgar Allan Poe - he is the man of the hour- as well as the imaginary ghost of William Shakespeare, as the ghost of Charles Dickens and the ghost of Walt Whitman - they all indirectly played a part in Poe’s life, and would be fascinating characters in their own right - then I realized that ghosts are formless and don’t require food - but I am looking forward, anyway, to have a gathering of these literary giants - or at least their ghosts to see how they all get along.  Oh, I am sure they will make fun of each other, but secretly admire the artistry that each represents - I expect that will be a great deal of good-natured ribbing.

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Where It All Began

I begin the episode relaxing in a comfortable chair in a University of Virginia library when a bum? Panhandler? Apparition? Introduces himself as Edgar Allan Poe, and tells me that he wants to start a podcast.  We talk, but I am doubtful, to say the least.

Then switch to a few months ago - this same apparition visits me again (knowing that I want to start a podcast.)  This time I take him up on his offer (knowing that it is going to an unbelievable amount or work to do right.)

And he reminds me that “the boundaries between life and death are at best shadowy and vague. Who knows where one ends and the other begins?”

How can I argue with that?

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Poe’s reflections on decay within the Colosseum is a cautionary tale about civic engagement today. As many citizens become increasingly disengaged from political processes, there is a risk of societal decay reminiscent of the decline represented in Poe's poem. Encouraging active participation in democracy is essential to countering this trend.

While at first reading, the poem The Coliseum points at the decay of an ancient society - Rome - the poem also highlights the enduring relevance of Poe's work in analyzing contemporary society.

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Welcome to Celebrate Poe - Episode 297 - Poe’s Bread and Circuses

Today I would like to begin by talking about the Coliseum itself before getting into other areas.  The actual poem by Poe - The Coliseum - was one of his first poems - and might need a bit of background. And while I was doing research for this and future episodes regarding The Coliseum - I ran into several sources who said that they thought the poem was the best that Poe ever wrote.  I did not think that much about the poem the first time I read it, but after I learned more, I can see why Poe’s poem The Coliseum has so many fans.

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Episode 296 - Searching for a Family 

Link to The Loves of Edgar Allan Poe  67 minuteshttps://archive.org/details/TheLovesOfEdgarAllanPoe

Link to clip or Jane Darwell in “The Grapes of Wrath”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJLvgWx-h54

Link to clip of Jane Darwell and Julie Andrews in “Mary Poppins”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5Wb_sTdJV

William and Maria Clemm had three children together:
Henry (born September 10, 1818)
Virginia Marie (born August 22, 1820, who died in infancy)
Virginia Eliza (born August 13, 1822)

Now let me try and explain the connection to Edgar Allan Poe and his somewhat problematic marriage - at least by the standards of many people today.

This has got to be one of the most controversial subjects regarding Poe - the fact that he married his much younger cousin. Virginia Eliza Clemm. - I guess you could say that the relationship began as a familial bond. Poe first met Virginia when she was seven years old, and he was twenty. Over time, their relationship evolved into a romantic one, culminating in their marriage when Virginia was 13 and Poe was 27 - a relationship that many scholars believe was more like one between siblings that a romantic relationship.

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Welcome to Celebrate Poe - Episode 295 - John Allan’s Will

On March 27, 1834, John Allan died of a lingering illness of unknown origin.  He was undoubtedly completely utterly ignorant that he would not be remembered for his money - but because of the cast-off ward he had despised. His business partner was Charles Ellis, and Ellis’s son Thomas (citing Louisa Allan as his source) wrote in 1881 that shortly before Allan’s death, Edgar had suddenly appeared at the Allan family home, demanding to see his former guardian. Thomas Ellis claimed Mrs. Allan tried to turn him away, but Poe desperately barged his way into Allan’s sickroom, only to have the ailing but still unforgiving man chase the unwelcome visitor out with his cane. The story cannot be totally confirmed, but it would be depressingly in character for both men to end their relationship with such a mixture of bitterness, melodrama and even farce.

I would also like to discuss the actual text of the will - not surprisingly, it is typical legalese for the 19th century - but is not that long - as far as wills go - about 1,000 words.

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In today's episode, I would like to deal with and emphasize the overall influence of John Allan on Poe’s life - and what might Poe's life have been like if John Allan had a more positive temperament. And even if some of this information is familiar to you, stay with the Ghost of Mr. Poe and myself for what ultimately is a very sad story.

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Welcome to Celebrate Poe - Episode 293 - Last Will and Testament of William Galt

While ideally, I would like to have all the episodes in this podcast in chronological order - for example, start with Poe’s birth and deal with his writings and then his death, followed by his influence on literature - that just isn’t always possible.  Today is an example, for an examination of portions of the will of William Galt.

Galt was certainly important to Poe’s development, but if you are hazy regarding the name William Galt, stick with Mr. Poe and me, and become familiar with the role of Galt in Poe’s life.

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